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The greatest treasure for her was to read, until she fell in love
Sage Hawke feels there is more to life than training with swords. Throughout her life, she has wanted to learn to read, believing knowledge is power, but the only power her family believes in is the edge of a blade. When a mysterious book is found, a book written with a secret code, Sage’s sisters turn to her for answers.
Charged by his cousin with retrieving the book, Marcus de Nogaret takes his mission seriously. When he learns the book contains a secret code, he kidnaps a woman he believes can decipher its secrets, hoping he will be well rewarded when he reveals the book’s mysteries.
Each turn is fraught with danger as Sage and Marcus learn that others are after the book and will kill to possess it.
Can Sage and Marcus work together to figure out what secrets the book holds and why men are willing to kill for this book, or will they discover love is a more powerful treasure?
The Hawkes
The Hawke sisters are far from typical women. Raised by their father the legendary John Hawke, the girls are taught how to fight with swords, how to survive in a man’s world, and above all how to protect the family. They are Beauties with Blades.
Come along on their adventures as these bold and brave women save innocents, discover secrets, and fall in love.
Sage Hawke feels there is more to life than training with swords. Throughout her life, she has wanted to learn to read, believing knowledge is power, but the only power her family believes in is the edge of a blade. When a mysterious book is found, a book written with a secret code, Sage’s sisters turn to her for answers.
Charged by his cousin with retrieving the book, Marcus de Nogaret takes his mission seriously. When he learns the book contains a secret code, he kidnaps a woman he believes can decipher its secrets, hoping he will be well rewarded when he reveals the book’s mysteries.
Each turn is fraught with danger as Sage and Marcus learn that others are after the book and will kill to possess it.
Can Sage and Marcus work together to figure out what secrets the book holds and why men are willing to kill for this book, or will they discover love is a more powerful treasure?
The Hawkes
The Hawke sisters are far from typical women. Raised by their father the legendary John Hawke, the girls are taught how to fight with swords, how to survive in a man’s world, and above all how to protect the family. They are Beauties with Blades.
Come along on their adventures as these bold and brave women save innocents, discover secrets, and fall in love.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2021
71 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 27, 2021
⚔️ Sage ⚔️
Medieval Romance
Beauties With Blades Series #1
✒️ Laurel O’Donnell
https://www.facebook.com/LaurelODonne...
Release Date 09/01/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BBQWJ8C/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The greatest treasure for her was to read, until she fell in love
Sage Hawke feels there is more to life than training with swords. Throughout her life, she has wanted to learn to read, believing knowledge is power, but the only power her family believes in is the edge of a blade. When a mysterious book is found, a book written with a secret code, Sage’s sisters turn to her for answers.
Charged by his cousin with retrieving the book, Marcus de Nogaret takes his mission seriously. When he learns the book contains a secret code, he kidnaps a woman he believes can decipher its secrets, hoping he will be well rewarded when he reveals the book’s mysteries.
Each turn is fraught with danger as Sage and Marcus learn that others are after the book and will kill to possess it.
Can Sage and Marcus work together to figure out what secrets the book holds and why men are willing to kill for this book, or will they discover love is a more powerful treasure?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will the violence of their first meeting stand them apart …
It is fun how in some way, women in the middle were awarded more freedom than later. Those times were hard and harsh. Violence was a daily occurrence, so a woman who can stand her ground without or without a weapon is nice for a change.
Sage is no badass woman but she was raised by her father to be able to fend the world by herself. Still she is young and makes mistakes. Driven by her need for knowledge, she put herself into a dangerous path.
But she does not deny her faults and learns from them. This is a journey of initiation, as she will have to put into action everything she was taught and realizes the world is not all black and white.
I confess I struggled with Marcus as in the beginning pages he murders a man of peace who has done nothing outside being at the wrong place at the wrong time. And while it was not a willing action but a mishap, it still occurred.
Yet he demonstrates deed after deed how honorable he is, he values his blood kin and despite his moments of angst, he protects Sage.
I loved them together, they have contretemps, they have to win one another’s trust and it is not an easy task the way they meet. Yet they find a way to work together and whatever their misgivings, their straightforward personas bring them closer.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFl79bD5...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Medieval Romance
Beauties With Blades Series #1
✒️ Laurel O’Donnell
https://www.facebook.com/LaurelODonne...
Release Date 09/01/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BBQWJ8C/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The greatest treasure for her was to read, until she fell in love
Sage Hawke feels there is more to life than training with swords. Throughout her life, she has wanted to learn to read, believing knowledge is power, but the only power her family believes in is the edge of a blade. When a mysterious book is found, a book written with a secret code, Sage’s sisters turn to her for answers.
Charged by his cousin with retrieving the book, Marcus de Nogaret takes his mission seriously. When he learns the book contains a secret code, he kidnaps a woman he believes can decipher its secrets, hoping he will be well rewarded when he reveals the book’s mysteries.
Each turn is fraught with danger as Sage and Marcus learn that others are after the book and will kill to possess it.
Can Sage and Marcus work together to figure out what secrets the book holds and why men are willing to kill for this book, or will they discover love is a more powerful treasure?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will the violence of their first meeting stand them apart …
It is fun how in some way, women in the middle were awarded more freedom than later. Those times were hard and harsh. Violence was a daily occurrence, so a woman who can stand her ground without or without a weapon is nice for a change.
Sage is no badass woman but she was raised by her father to be able to fend the world by herself. Still she is young and makes mistakes. Driven by her need for knowledge, she put herself into a dangerous path.
But she does not deny her faults and learns from them. This is a journey of initiation, as she will have to put into action everything she was taught and realizes the world is not all black and white.
I confess I struggled with Marcus as in the beginning pages he murders a man of peace who has done nothing outside being at the wrong place at the wrong time. And while it was not a willing action but a mishap, it still occurred.
Yet he demonstrates deed after deed how honorable he is, he values his blood kin and despite his moments of angst, he protects Sage.
I loved them together, they have contretemps, they have to win one another’s trust and it is not an easy task the way they meet. Yet they find a way to work together and whatever their misgivings, their straightforward personas bring them closer.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFl79bD5...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
November 6, 2021
“Sage” is a book filled with action from beginning to end.
Read full review in the 2021 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 7, 2021
Laurel O'Donnell’s “Sage: Medieval Romance” is an excellent start to the “Beauties With Blades” series. This is a wonderful way to start a series.
Raised by her legendary father, John Hawke, Sage and her sisters were taught to sword fight to protect themselves and their family and how to survive in a harsh world. Sage learned well but she longed to read more than anything in the world, knowing knowledge is power. When she stumbled upon a mysterious book, determined to know its secrets, she seeks out a priest to teach her to read despite her father’s insistence it’s a waste of time. Finding it’s written in code, she’s resolute in her desire to know it’s secrets. But she’s not the only one seeking it’s knowledge.
Marcus de Nogaret is on a mission to retrieve the book. Sent by his cousin, Grand Master of the King of France he takes his mission seriously. He’s a man devoted his mission and his family, and finding the book and Sage, he’s convinced she can decode the book so he kidnaps her. To protect yourself he allows Marcus to believe she can. When they discover that they are not the only one who wants a book they realize that those who do are willing to kill for it. Together they are on the journey of their life. Can they learn to trust one another, for I t’s imperative to do so? I do so love medieval stories and the author weaves an excellent tale of adventure, suspense, danger and romance as theses two realize their love for one another is the strongest of their desires.
With a well written story, fraught with danger and romance, a good plot, incredible characters, dastardly villains, the author renders an amazing story. In addition to the story her imagery, descriptive voice, creativity and dialogue bring this story to life beautifully. I was thoroughly captivated from beginning to end.
Thank you so much Ms. O’Donnell for this intriguing romance. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Raised by her legendary father, John Hawke, Sage and her sisters were taught to sword fight to protect themselves and their family and how to survive in a harsh world. Sage learned well but she longed to read more than anything in the world, knowing knowledge is power. When she stumbled upon a mysterious book, determined to know its secrets, she seeks out a priest to teach her to read despite her father’s insistence it’s a waste of time. Finding it’s written in code, she’s resolute in her desire to know it’s secrets. But she’s not the only one seeking it’s knowledge.
Marcus de Nogaret is on a mission to retrieve the book. Sent by his cousin, Grand Master of the King of France he takes his mission seriously. He’s a man devoted his mission and his family, and finding the book and Sage, he’s convinced she can decode the book so he kidnaps her. To protect yourself he allows Marcus to believe she can. When they discover that they are not the only one who wants a book they realize that those who do are willing to kill for it. Together they are on the journey of their life. Can they learn to trust one another, for I t’s imperative to do so? I do so love medieval stories and the author weaves an excellent tale of adventure, suspense, danger and romance as theses two realize their love for one another is the strongest of their desires.
With a well written story, fraught with danger and romance, a good plot, incredible characters, dastardly villains, the author renders an amazing story. In addition to the story her imagery, descriptive voice, creativity and dialogue bring this story to life beautifully. I was thoroughly captivated from beginning to end.
Thank you so much Ms. O’Donnell for this intriguing romance. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
March 5, 2022
A fun (mostly), light, fast, easy, read. Definitely a romance novel. There was action aplenty and satisfying dialogue, with some tingling, burning, sighing, desire going on. Maybe not a Young Adult novel, but mom won't have to be too embarrassed to have their teen steal it from the shelf. And perhaps, if there were less tingling happening, the characters might have been developed a little further, but even with that, the characters are fun and interesting (and who doesn't enjoy a few tingles?). With a novel of this length I don't feel you can expect too much more.
Some of the main characters' actions and motivations were not always realistic to me, and this detracted a little from the story. One of the characters is killed, and this was difficult to accept and I didn't understand why it was necessary. I am never a fan of killing when it doesn't serve a good purpose in a novel. Another character commits murder, or manslaughter, at least, and very little (there is some) guilt or remorse results. This was one of those incidents I didn't feel was realistic.
The sentence structure in the writing is very basic, with sparse compound and complex sentences. There is not any challenging vocabulary to stumble over. This makes reading easy and fast for this pleasing, action romance with a HEA, and for that it gets four stars. And yes, I am looking forward to reading the next in the series and more from this author.
Some of the main characters' actions and motivations were not always realistic to me, and this detracted a little from the story. One of the characters is killed, and this was difficult to accept and I didn't understand why it was necessary. I am never a fan of killing when it doesn't serve a good purpose in a novel. Another character commits murder, or manslaughter, at least, and very little (there is some) guilt or remorse results. This was one of those incidents I didn't feel was realistic.
The sentence structure in the writing is very basic, with sparse compound and complex sentences. There is not any challenging vocabulary to stumble over. This makes reading easy and fast for this pleasing, action romance with a HEA, and for that it gets four stars. And yes, I am looking forward to reading the next in the series and more from this author.
September 3, 2021
4.5 STARS - not all is tide in a nice bow for the ending.
It's been awhile since I've read this author. I'm glad this book was on sale so I could enjoy her amazing story. I have the second book of the series, Raven, on my wish list to track if goes on sale.
I thought the h would have grieved more for someone who is killed. Especially since he was so dear to her and she is partly at fault for bringing something to his attention.
The H is loyal to a certain cause and family. The h is caught up in trying to figure out what the book is about. We have nasty villains, suspense, violence, romance builds slowly and a tad of spice. Heat level 2.5 out of 5.
The h is smart even though she can't read. She is good at fighting with a sword and fighting dirty. She is separated from her two sisters and slowly builds trust with the H and vice versa. This story doesn't end in a cliffhanger but close to it. We get a tease of the next book - Raven, at the end of this one. I wanted a better ending - more complete. It's like they ride off into the sunset, but the sun has left the sky.
No cheating, HEA (I assume) and some spice. (ljb)
It's been awhile since I've read this author. I'm glad this book was on sale so I could enjoy her amazing story. I have the second book of the series, Raven, on my wish list to track if goes on sale.
I thought the h would have grieved more for someone who is killed. Especially since he was so dear to her and she is partly at fault for bringing something to his attention.
The H is loyal to a certain cause and family. The h is caught up in trying to figure out what the book is about. We have nasty villains, suspense, violence, romance builds slowly and a tad of spice. Heat level 2.5 out of 5.
The h is smart even though she can't read. She is good at fighting with a sword and fighting dirty. She is separated from her two sisters and slowly builds trust with the H and vice versa. This story doesn't end in a cliffhanger but close to it. We get a tease of the next book - Raven, at the end of this one. I wanted a better ending - more complete. It's like they ride off into the sunset, but the sun has left the sky.
No cheating, HEA (I assume) and some spice. (ljb)
September 1, 2021
Sage Hawk is part of a family of warriors, but she wants to learn to read. In possession of a book, she visits a priest to teach her to read it.
Only the book is in code and dangerous to have in her possession. Marcus Nogaret is after the book for his cousin, the Grand Master of the King of France. Taking Sage as a hostage, she protects herself by pretending to read and decode the book. Assassins are following with the intention of taking the book. Who hired the assassins? As Sage and Marcus learn to trust and love each other, they will continue to solve the mystery of the book. Steamy. An adventurous tale that moves at a fast pace and carries over to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
Only the book is in code and dangerous to have in her possession. Marcus Nogaret is after the book for his cousin, the Grand Master of the King of France. Taking Sage as a hostage, she protects herself by pretending to read and decode the book. Assassins are following with the intention of taking the book. Who hired the assassins? As Sage and Marcus learn to trust and love each other, they will continue to solve the mystery of the book. Steamy. An adventurous tale that moves at a fast pace and carries over to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
April 27, 2025
This is a somewhat unusual book as it is a romantic adventure set in 14th centaury France and by and large this era is dealt with very well. Sage is a wonderful character and the others are perfectly decent.
There are a few editing errors, but the one very peculiar element is that there is this ongoing attempt to decode a text that would have been in French or more likely Latin but the words in the code are English.
There are a few editing errors, but the one very peculiar element is that there is this ongoing attempt to decode a text that would have been in French or more likely Latin but the words in the code are English.
November 20, 2021
A thrilling, adventurous read
Three sisters with badass fighting skills run this story. Usually together, but when they are separated and one goes on her own adventure, we are along for a very feisty and sword-skilled ride! Love and independence are discovered, along with learning more about the character of people you think you have pinned down.
Three sisters with badass fighting skills run this story. Usually together, but when they are separated and one goes on her own adventure, we are along for a very feisty and sword-skilled ride! Love and independence are discovered, along with learning more about the character of people you think you have pinned down.
March 13, 2022
Heart Stomping Adventure!
A must read for those who enjoy tales of knights & chivalry! A cast of characters who will keep the pages turning with surprises & high adventure to delight the reader!
A must read for those who enjoy tales of knights & chivalry! A cast of characters who will keep the pages turning with surprises & high adventure to delight the reader!
June 27, 2023
an historical romance
Sage is a great female lead. She has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and that gets her in to trouble. She is trained by her father to be able to fight with a sword. It helps to make her fearless on this quest. It is an entertaining read.
Sage is a great female lead. She has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and that gets her in to trouble. She is trained by her father to be able to fight with a sword. It helps to make her fearless on this quest. It is an entertaining read.
October 17, 2023
The book
Sage always wanted to learn to read and when he sister had a book Sage went for help. Then the adventure began. The book leads them into troubles and adventures. Hope you will read and enjoy.
Sage always wanted to learn to read and when he sister had a book Sage went for help. Then the adventure began. The book leads them into troubles and adventures. Hope you will read and enjoy.
May 18, 2025
It had all the elements of a book I should like, but no part ever really drew me in beyond the book and the code. It wasn't terrible, just very meh. And while it didn't exactly end on a cliffhanger, the story wasn't concluded. I expect it spans 3 books for the 3 sisters.
September 6, 2021
Great
I thought this story started slow...but what a ride!! This is an absolutely wonderful story. Had all the right of excitement
I thought this story started slow...but what a ride!! This is an absolutely wonderful story. Had all the right of excitement
April 4, 2022
Okay, predictable. Cliffhanger ending - something I hate. I won't be looking for the second in the series.
July 14, 2024
Sage
Was a quick read, fast paced, depicts a time when education was not valued especially for women. I really enjoyed it!
Was a quick read, fast paced, depicts a time when education was not valued especially for women. I really enjoyed it!
September 1, 2021
What a enjoyable story! I really enjoy how the book grabs you right from the start and takes you on an heart-stopping journey that holds your full attention to the very end and Sage does just that! With a mysterious book falls into Sage's hand she soon finds out that the secrets within could cost her her life. Marcus must flnd a book written in secret code and deliver it to his cousin. When Marcus finds the book he also finds Sage, and believes he's found the person who can crack the code in the book for him. But there are others who want the book and will do anything to get it...even murder. It's a rollercoaster ride that takes Sage and Marcus on a action-packed journey that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. Laurel O'Donnell has written a story woven from beginning to end with threads of danger, secrets, intrigue and treachery with tension-building twists and turns, remarkable characters that come off the pages and pull you into their tale, sensual passion, is well-written and with an enjoyable plott. The scenes are so strikingly detailed that it paints an incredible backdrop that makes you feel like you are one with the story which brings this read together perfectly.
March 4, 2022
5* But for beginning & end.
** SPOILERS **
If you like a story with a HEA & everything wrapped up that happens along the way - this is not that kind of book.
I almost put the book aside in the beginning after a life long friend & mentor to Sage was accidentally killed. Her obsession overrode everything. No grief or remorse aside from a whispered "I'm sorry." However, the friend wasn't dead when they left & since it was an accident, I was hopeful he would be a nice surprise later on & pull through. He didn't. 😔
I really enjoy strong heroines & especially ones trained with swords as Sage & her sisters Raven & Willow were. But Sage lacked the emotional maturity & rounded edges of humility & goodwill to me. She comes across as a selfish teenager because she keeps her obsession til the very end.
The end. Oh boy! This was where I had an attitude adjustment & said "Are you flipping kidding me?" I literally threw my book down.
It's a cliff hanger. The kind where you *have* to buy the next book to find out: who is this Landen person who's with Raven that Marcus doesn't trust; where's the HEA for Marcus & Sage? He's asked her to marry him but there still in the woods in danger; what happens to Guilliame? Marcus' cousin - practically brother - the one person Marcus did trust but who betrays him in the worst way AND who's still close by; where's Willow? What happened to her? And on it goes. Nope! You won't find out here.
I've enjoyed other books by this author & I will buy, read, support to my ❤'s content when its a good COMPLETE story/series & it's MY choice. When an author takes a readers choice away by writing cliffhangers like this - forcing a reader to buy the next or rest of the books just to find out what happens - I'll pass & find another book.
That said, I have no problem with cliffhangers that leave a single thread, common theme, etc. continuing in the next story or book. But there was way too much left unanswered in this first book. My guess is the next book, Ravens story, will be the same exact way - ending & leading to Willow's story in book 3.
Very disappointed! And not continuing. 😔💔👎
** SPOILERS **
If you like a story with a HEA & everything wrapped up that happens along the way - this is not that kind of book.
I almost put the book aside in the beginning after a life long friend & mentor to Sage was accidentally killed. Her obsession overrode everything. No grief or remorse aside from a whispered "I'm sorry." However, the friend wasn't dead when they left & since it was an accident, I was hopeful he would be a nice surprise later on & pull through. He didn't. 😔
I really enjoy strong heroines & especially ones trained with swords as Sage & her sisters Raven & Willow were. But Sage lacked the emotional maturity & rounded edges of humility & goodwill to me. She comes across as a selfish teenager because she keeps her obsession til the very end.
The end. Oh boy! This was where I had an attitude adjustment & said "Are you flipping kidding me?" I literally threw my book down.
It's a cliff hanger. The kind where you *have* to buy the next book to find out: who is this Landen person who's with Raven that Marcus doesn't trust; where's the HEA for Marcus & Sage? He's asked her to marry him but there still in the woods in danger; what happens to Guilliame? Marcus' cousin - practically brother - the one person Marcus did trust but who betrays him in the worst way AND who's still close by; where's Willow? What happened to her? And on it goes. Nope! You won't find out here.
I've enjoyed other books by this author & I will buy, read, support to my ❤'s content when its a good COMPLETE story/series & it's MY choice. When an author takes a readers choice away by writing cliffhangers like this - forcing a reader to buy the next or rest of the books just to find out what happens - I'll pass & find another book.
That said, I have no problem with cliffhangers that leave a single thread, common theme, etc. continuing in the next story or book. But there was way too much left unanswered in this first book. My guess is the next book, Ravens story, will be the same exact way - ending & leading to Willow's story in book 3.
Very disappointed! And not continuing. 😔💔👎
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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